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Tell me about the educational delivery model.
SPIRE Academy provides core academic exposure, plus experiential and relational group learning options in conjunction with our educational partner, Grand River Academy.SPIRE’s learning environment balances academic and athletic training and development within facilities and programs that nurture personal growth and stimulate the desire to challenge oneself. And all of this is done while helping individuals identify and experience professions and career development opportunities that better prepare them for all of life’s journey.The coaching team, formally called teachers, are engaged to guide (not dictate) learning and facilitate achievement above self-expectations. SPIRE also offers personal, professional and career guidance.The SPIRE Four Pillar Model
- Academics – College preparatory academics delivered using an integrated, cross-curricular, project-based model culminating in the earning of a transcript for submission and acceptance to college/university.
- Passion Pursuit – Discover and or advance skills in a particular area of intense interest. Essentially – work toward living the dream.
- Career Exploration Opportunities (CEO) – Opportunities to gain understanding and working knowledge of professions delivered by experts who have worked in these field for many years.
- Personal Skill Development – Learning about the whole self, collaborating and interacting with others, trust, respect, managing failure, etc.
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What does a day look like?
Academy boarding and day students will spend approximately half the day (4-5 hours) being coached by seasoned educators as well as experienced professionals in specialty fields. These academic and business experts will share their combined knowledge, expertise and compassionate guidance.
As students work to embrace core academic material, they will also gain valuable hands on experience in areas meant to inspire them toward possible professional paths. In addition, students will grow in their understanding of self and learn to work well with others, while achieving personal goals and gaining a better understanding of where they will fit in the world.
The balance of a student’s day (4-5 hours) will be spent pursuing their area of personal passion (i.e. a particular sport). Included within this technical and tactical skill development training program is an integrated amount of performance training, which encompasses physical conditioning, mental skills training and nutrition/hydration guidance.
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Where do student athletes live on campus? Will I have a roommate?
SPIRE Village consists of 2,300 sq. ft. homes built specifically for SPIRE Academy student athletes. Each unit has six bedrooms and one house parent suite and a student lounge area. Each bedroom accommodates two twin beds, a nightstand, wardrobe, two study tables with chairs and a shared six-drawer chest. The student lounge has a big screen TV, a couch, chairs and a dining room table with chairs for house meetings. There are three student bathrooms and a washer and dryer.
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How much is the tuition?
Contact us by emailing [email protected].
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How does SPIRE assist with college planning and placement?
At SPIRE, we believe that the college planning and placement process is one of the most important aspects of Academy life—and you can’t start this process too early!
Our college planning process begins freshman year and only concludes when a student has graduated from college or chosen and achieved their goals on a different path.
SPIRE works with student athletes to find a university that is a good fit academically, athletically and socially. Students are taught how to search for colleges and universities with their intended major as well as their desired sport using the guidance of their coaches, teachers and advisors. This includes how to communicate with schools and coaches, fill out the Common Application and other applications, including filing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
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Does SPIRE offer scholarships and financial assistance?
SPIRE offers a limited amount of financial aid. Recipients are selected based on academics, athletics, character and financial review. For more information, please reference our admissions page.
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Where can I find additional information about living at SPIRE Academy?
Click here to find all resources related to living on the SPIRE Campus.
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Do Academy students have access to drone racing and esports programs?
Yes!
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Is the Admissions process competitive?
SPIRE looks at each student individually to determine if they would be a good fit. The admissions process includes submitting an official transcript, letters of recommendation from an English teacher, math teacher, and principal or coach, an interview with the coach and Director of Admissions (either virtual or in-person) and a completed application. Each applicant is reviewed by the Admissions Committee which is composed of administrators, teachers, and coaches to determine if the student meets SPIRE’s admissions requirements.
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How good do I have to be in my sport?
SPIRE accepts athletes of varying ability, but they all have one thing in common. They come to SPIRE because they have the heart and desire to become better student athletes. SPIRE student athletes come from various competitive backgrounds and all have different goals they want to achieve while here and beyond, whether it is to continue their sport after high school or beyond.
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Does SPIRE Academy offer scholarships?
SPIRE offers financial assistance for families who qualify. Families must complete the Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) which can be found at
https://sssandtadsfa.force.com/PortalSelector/s/
SPIRE has a limited number of athletically based scholarships and need based assistance. Every family can apply.
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Do you have any other question or need additional help with admissions?
Please contact our Admissions Department at [email protected]
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When is the deadline to apply?
SPIRE works on rolling admission, meaning we accept applications until spaces are filled. We are currently accepting applications for the 23-24 school year through September 30, 2023.
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Would participation in a post grad year affect my four-year NCAA eligibility?
No, a post graduate year does not affect NCAA eligibility.
